Several hundred GLBT individuals and supporters packed the Chicago Cultural Center's GAR Hall as Mayor Richard M. Daley welcomed the community to the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on LGBT Issues' annual reception, which took place June 22.
In welcoming the GLBT community, the mayor noted that 'Chicago is a city of many faces and is the proud beneficiary of the rich cultural and ethnic heritage from every part of the world.' He also commented on the progress made, stating that ' [ t ] he LGBT communities are thriving and moving forward, helping to build a strong social and economic foundation for our city. I'm proud to say that the LGBT communities in this city have deeply invested in their families, neighborhoods, and the greater Chicago community. As I've said this many times, you are our doctors, lawyers, businesspeople, union members, parents, clergy and teachers.'
Daley also mentioned two recent events: the passage of the amended Human Rights Act and the Center on Halsted groundbreaking. Regarding the former, he noted that the passage required '35 years of ... hard work and support' and congratulated everyone involved. In discussing the latter, Daley mentioned how ' [ t ] he Center will be a source of pride not just for the LGBT communities, but for the entire city.'
The mayor also took time to mention the Chicago Gay Games, which will take place in July 2006. 'I am proud to serve as Honorary Chair for the 2006 Gay Games, and I am committed to its success,' he said. 'I look forward to 12,000 athletes participating in this world-class sporting event, and to their friends and family joining them in support.'
In addition, Daley talked about being 'proud that our LGBT communities have the wisdom to recognize and acknowledge problems developing within their communities,' focusing on the Chicago Task Force on LGBT Substance Use and Abuse and the campaign to tackle the crystal meth epidemic that plagues the city. The audience responded to Daley's speech with sustained applause that clearly moved the mayor.
Bill Greaves, the mayor's GLBT liaison, also gave a moving speech in which he stated, among other things, that Chicago is a 'bubble of progressiveness' and that the city 'leads the world.' He thanked all involved in the success of the changed Human Rights Act [ Equality Illinois received a special award for its work on that law ] and pointed out successful individuals, events and organizations that ranged from Ald. Tom Tunney to the About Face Youth Theatre to the recent Salute to LGBT Veterans. He then cited a Gertrude Stein quote: 'Someone says yes to it, to something you are liking or doing or making and then never again can you have completely such a feeling of being afraid and ashamed … .' He then said that the LGBT community is 'thriving in the yes' and thanked Daley for his 'yes.'